Identification & Site Information
•Name: WYOMING (renamed MAPLEGLEN in 1920)
•Type: Merchant Vessel (Propeller-driven)
•Dimensions:
•Length: 250.4 feet (76.33 meters)
•Width: 40.1 feet (12.22 meters)
•Depth: 14.6 feet (4.45 meters)
•Depth at Wreck Site: 70 feet (21 meters)
•Location: Amherst Island, Lake Ontario
•Coordinates: N 44 08.70’, W 76 37.09’
Vessel Type Description
The WYOMING, later renamed MAPLEGLEN, was a propeller-driven merchant vessel designed for cargo transport. Built in 1887 in Buffalo, New York, it was one of the largest vessels of its time on the Great Lakes. Originally measuring 241 feet in length, it was later Rebuilt to 250.4 feet, with a Gross Tonnage of 1,952.80 tons. Its robust design reflected the importance of maritime shipping in connecting industrial and commercial hubs in the Great Lakes region.
History
The WYOMING entered service in 1887, operating primarily out of Buffalo, New York. During the 1890s, it was frequently chartered by the Port Huron & Detroit Steamship Co., transporting goods across Lake Ontario and other parts of the Great Lakes.
In 1906, the vessel underwent significant modifications, slightly increasing its size and updating its tonnage. By 1917, it had been acquired by the American Interlake Line and later became part of Canada Steamship Lines in 1919, when it was renamed MAPLEGLEN.
After being decommissioned and laid up in 1921, the MAPLEGLEN never returned to service. In 1925, it was scuttled off Amherst Island, near Kingston, Ontario, as part of a deliberate disposal process common during that era for outdated or obsolete vessels.
Final Disposition
The MAPLEGLEN was scuttled in Lake Ontario at the coordinates N 44 08.70’, W 76 37.09’. The deliberate scuttling marked the end of its operational life. The wreck now lies at a depth of 70 feet, making it an accessible site for recreational divers.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the MAPLEGLEN is relatively well-preserved, thanks to the cold, freshwater environment of Lake Ontario. It lies at a shallow depth, making it suitable for divers of varying skill levels. The structure offers multiple points of interest, including the midship, bow, boilers, and mooring points.
Resources & Links
•NTD Video of the MAPLEGLEN: A video resource detailing the history and scuttling of the vessel.
•Vlada Dekina Photogallery (2002): A photographic archive of the wreck site.
•Divehub.ca: Dive site information for divers interested in exploring the wreck.
•Queens University Video Tape Holdings POW Photo Project (1998): Archival footage documenting the wreck.
Keywords
WYOMING, MAPLEGLEN, Amherst Island wreck, Kingston Harbour clean-up, Great Lakes shipwreck, scuttled hulls, Lake Ontario diving.
Analysis
The scuttling of the MAPLEGLEN reflects early 20th-century maritime practices for disposing of obsolete vessels. At its peak, the WYOMING/MAPLEGLEN was a significant player in the Great Lakes maritime trade, a critical transportation hub for goods during its time. The vessel’s scuttling was part of broader efforts to clear outdated ships, making way for more modern fleets.
Today, the wreck serves as a valuable resource for both historical study and recreational diving. Its preservation in Lake Ontario provides insights into the industrial maritime heritage of the region, highlighting the importance of the Great Lakes as a transportation and economic artery. For divers, the site offers a unique exploration opportunity, combining historical significance with underwater adventure.